What was it that attracted you to become a MAN v FAT coach in the first place?
Seeing a MAN v FAT advert in June 2021 for a ‘football coach’ but emphasising men’s wellbeing. I was intrigued as to whether a PT with a broad background in health (fitness, nutrition and Environmental Health) but with very little experience of football (except Pukka pies and Bovril) would be suitable for such a role.
My background research prior to interview helped me understand the way in which this unique football ‘model’ worked to attract and motivate guys and during the online interview with Tom (Regional Manager at the time), I began to be excited about what an opportunity this could be for me to help build a fantastic community in and around the city of Carlisle, especially as there are no other MAN v FAT clubs in the county of Cumbria.
Talk to us about why MAN v FAT has been such an important part of your life
As a real ‘people’ person and as Director at a local church, we are always wanting to find ways to reach out to the local community in ways that can help meet their needs and I have found that being Senior Coach here at MAN v FAT Football Carlisle has given me a unique opportunity to not just build a beautiful community of men but to also generate a ‘knock on’ effect that helps influence the mental and physical wellbeing of their families/partners at home too. We had some very moving ‘Dad stories’ about the benefits for the family gathered for a Father’s Day local press article.
My local Vineyard church has been very kind in hosting our fantastic end of season awards celebrations (the food and ambience go down really well with the guys even though it’s ‘church’). Vineyard also supports me through any of the challenges that can arise for me when supporting the needs of 60 men.
They were even asked if MAN v FAT was an actual church ministry but I replied they help me in whatever I do for the community. An unexpected consequence is I also have become an avid and lifelong fan of my local football club (Carlisle United – with their interesting new American owners) and I am now working more closely with them on some of their mental health/inclusion initiatives.
Having come from the world of public health, why is MAN v FAT so crucial to supporting men of all backgrounds in terms of preventative healthcare and male wellbeing?
My last role in Public Health was leading a Workplace Health Programme to help employers look after their employees wellbeing. I used Public Health funding to set up bespoke workplace projects (e.g. healthy lunches and running clubs).
It was during this role that I identified needs in jobs more commonly occupied by men which are often quite sedentary e.g. HGV/coach/taxi drivers, couriers and managerial desk based jobs. (At our club we also have teachers, counsellors, policemen, a scrapyard manager, car salesmen).
So with my former ‘Public Health Director’ hat on I can identify a wide range of needs in my Carlisle club. I have seen how well being part of this special community helps the guys better manage their conditions such as PHYSICAL post heart transplant, sleep apnoea requiring CPAP machines, Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. MENTAL depression, social anxiety, PTSD, low self esteem.
Other factors that unite them are many are Dads and several are youth/adult football coaches. I have seen many of these conditions drastically improve or disappear as the guys shed the pounds, grow in confidence and benefit from the strong support networks. I believe that the MAN v FAT community gives them a much increased chance to be healthier and live longer, more active lives with their families with less need for medication or medical intervention.
How have you chosen to make your mark as a coach? You lead with empathy but what else do you think is important when working with the men in your community?
When I am welcoming a new player, I ask for a ‘club player’ mentality before that of a ‘team player’ and I explain that reaching out across the teams and helping ‘club’ is really what we are about, (obviously balanced with their team will want to win the league and/or cup…).
We have established as one of our end of season awards the “Tim Linford Award’ that goes to the best ‘community champion’ and am so proud of the guys that have achieved this so far: Liam McMullen in S10, Mal Brown in S9, Shane Statter in S8 and Tim Linford in S7.
One of my most challenging goals has been to keep the club as ‘inclusive’ as possible and welcoming at both ends of the ‘scale’. That is for both fitter/lighter/better players as they shed the weight but also for the newer/incoming heavier/slower lads. I can honestly say in over 10 seasons since launch the standard of football is much higher, so it’s even harder to keep it ‘accessible’ to all.
Of the 225 guys through the club most have had a passion for football but some have never played since school, so I know that the football on the pitch can become very competitive but I try hard to reinforce how much the ‘off the pitch’ gains can heavily influence the team scores and that there really is no need to be overly competitive on the pitch.
I have always made an effort to really get to know new players to understand their motivation/challenges and back story before I assign them to the most appropriate team and ask their team captains to ensure they are well supported/briefed for day 1 weigh-in/first game.
I’m not sure what the players would see as ‘my mark as coach’ but one of them calls me his ‘Carlisle Mum’
Sum up MAN v FAT and its community in three words
Only three?! Life Changing, Inclusive, Close-knit.
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